Lithium secondary battery

ABSTRACT

A lithium secondary battery includes a cathode formed from a cathode active material including a first cathode active material particle and a second cathode active material particle, an anode and a separation layer interposed between the cathode and the anode. The first cathode active material particle includes a lithium metal oxide in which at least one metal forms a concentration gradient. The second cathode active material particle includes primary particles having different shapes or crystalline structures from each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/505,087 filed on Jul. 8, 2019, which claims priority to Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2018-0078843 and 10-2018-0078844 filed on Jul. 6,2018 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present invention relates to a lithium secondary battery. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a lithium secondarybattery including a lithium metal oxide.

2. Description of the Related Art

A secondary battery which can be charged and discharged repeatedly hasbeen widely employed as a power source of a mobile electronic devicesuch as a camcorder, a mobile phone, a laptop computer, etc., accordingto developments of information and display technologies. Recently, abattery pack including the secondary battery is being developed andapplied as a power source of an eco-friendly vehicle such as a hybridautomobile.

The secondary battery includes, e.g., a lithium secondary battery, anickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, etc. The lithiumsecondary battery is highlighted due to high operational voltage andenergy density per unit weight, a high charging rate, a compactdimension, etc.

For example, the lithium secondary battery may include an electrodeassembly including a cathode, an anode and a separation layer, and anelectrolyte immersing the electrode assembly. The lithium secondarybattery may further include an outer case having, e.g., a pouch shape.

A lithium metal oxide may be used as a cathode active material of thelithium secondary battery preferably having high capacity, power andlife-span. Further, a stability of the lithium secondary battery or thecathode active material under a harsh condition at a high temperature ora low temperature is also required as an industrial application of thelithium secondary battery is expanded. Additionally, when the lithiumsecondary battery or the cathode active material is penetrated by anexternal object, a resistance with respect to failures such as ashort-circuit, an ignition or an explosion may be also needed.

However, the cathode active material having all of the above-mentionedproperties may not be easily achieved. For example, Korean Publicationof Patent Application No. 10-2017-0093085 discloses a cathode activematerial including a transition metal compound and an ion adsorbingbinder, which may not provide sufficient life-span and stability.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided alithium secondary battery having improved electrical and mechanicalreliability and safety.

According to example embodiments, a lithium secondary battery includes acathode formed from a cathode active material including a first cathodeactive material particle and a second cathode active material particle,an anode, and a separation layer interposed between the cathode and theanode. The first cathode active material particle includes a lithiummetal oxide in which at least one metal forms a concentration gradient.The second cathode active material particle includes primary particleshaving different shapes or crystalline structures from each other.

In some embodiments, the second cathode active material particle mayinclude a first particle arranged in a central region and a secondparticle arranged in a peripheral region, and the first particle and thesecond particle have different shapes or crystalline structures fromeach other.

In some embodiments, the first particle may have a granular structure ora spherical structure, and the second particle may have a rod shape or aneedle shape.

In some embodiments, the central region of the second cathode activematerial particle may include an area within a region corresponding to20% to 80% of a radius from a center of the second cathode activematerial particle.

In some embodiments, the first cathode active material particle mayinclude a core portion, a shell portion, and a concentration gradientregion between the core portion and the shell portion, and theconcentration gradient may be formed in the concentration gradientregion.

In some embodiments, the core portion and the shell portion each mayinclude a fixed composition.

In some embodiments, the first cathode active material particle mayinclude a continuous concentration gradient formed from a center of thefirst cathode active material particle to a surface of the first cathodeactive material particle.

In some embodiments, the first cathode active material particle may berepresented by the following Chemical Formula 1.

Li_(x)M1_(a)M2_(b)M3_(c)O_(y)  [Chemical Formula 1]

In Chemical Formula 1, M1, M2 and M3 are selected from a groupconsisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Na, Mg, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ge, Sr, Ag, Ba,Zr, Nb, Mo, Al, Ga and B, 0<x≤1.1, 1.98≤y≤2.02, 0<a<1, 0<b<1, 0<c<1, and0<a+b+c<1.

In some embodiments, 0.6≤a≤0.95 and 0.05≤b+c≤0.4 in the Chemical Formula1.

In some embodiments, 0.7≤a≤0.9 and 0.1≤b+c≤0.3 in the Chemical Formula1.

In some embodiments, M1 may be nickel (Ni), M2 may be manganese (Mn),and M3 may be cobalt (Co).

In some embodiments, the second cathode active material particle may berepresented by the following Chemical Formula 2.

Li_(x)Ni_(a)Co_(b)Mn_(c)M4_(d)M5_(e)O_(y)  [Chemical Formula 2]

In Chemical Formula 2, M4 may include at least one element selected froma group consisting of Ti, Zr, Al, Mg, and Cr; and M5 may include atleast one element selected from a group consisting of Sr, Y, W, and Mo;0<x<1.5, 1.98≤y≤2.02, 0.313≤a≤0.353, 0.313≤b≤0.353, 0.313≤c≤0.353,0≤d≤0.03, 0≤e≤0.03, and 0.98≤a+b+c≤1.02.

In some embodiments, the second cathode active material particle mayinclude a lithium metal oxide having an excessive amount of lithium, andat least two metal elements except for lithium.

In some embodiments, the second cathode active material particle may berepresented by the following Chemical Formula 3.

Li_(x)Ni_(α)Co_(β)Mn_(γ)M4_(δ)M5_(ε)O_(y)  [Chemical Formula 3]

In Chemical Formula 3, M4 may include at least one element selected froma group consisting of Ti, Zr, Al, Mg, and Cr; and M5 may include atleast one element selected from a group consisting of Sr, Y, W, and Mo;0<x<1.1, 1.98≤y≤2.02, 0.48≤α≤0.52 0.18≤β≤0.27, 0.24≤γ≤0.32, 0≤δ≤0.03,0≤ε≤0.03, and 0.98≤α+β+γ≤1.02.

In some embodiments, 0.49≤a≤0.51 0.18≤β≤0.22, and 0.28≤γ≤0.32 in theChemical Formula 3.

In some embodiments, a blending weight ratio of the first cathode activematerial particle and the second cathode active material particle may bein a range from 9:1 to 1:9.

In some embodiments, an exothermic peak of the second cathode activematerial particle is 40 J/g or less at 200° C. or more in a DifferentialScanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurement.

According to example embodiments as described above, a cathode activematerial of a lithium secondary battery may include a first cathodeactive material particle having a concentration gradient and a secondcathode active material particle having a multi-shaped structure. Highcapacity and high power output characteristics of the lithium secondarybattery can be achieved through the first cathode active materialparticle. High output, penetration safety, and thermal stability of thelithium secondary battery can be achieved through the second cathodeactive material particle. Additionally, penetration stability at a highstate of charge (SoC) can be improved.

Therefore, both electrical performance and mechanical safety of thelithium secondary battery can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a lithiumsecondary battery in accordance with example embodiments;

FIG. 2 to FIG. 6 are cross-sectional SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy)images of second cathode active material particles used in some examplesand comparative examples;

FIG. 7 is a graph of DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) for thesecond cathode active material particles shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3; and

FIG. 8 is a graph of DSC for the second cathode active materialparticles shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

According to example embodiments of the present invention, a lithiumsecondary battery including a first cathode active material particlehaving a concentration gradient and a second cathode active materialparticle having a multi-shaped structure as a cathode active materialand having improved electrical performance and mechanical safety isprovided.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in theart will appreciate that such embodiments described with reference tothe accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the spiritof the present invention and do not limit subject matters to beprotected as disclosed in the detailed description and appended claims.

The terms “a first” and “a second” used herein are not intended tospecify the number or the order of objects, and only used to identifydifferent elements or objects.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a lithiumsecondary battery in accordance with example embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, a lithium secondary battery may include a cathode130, and anode 140 and a separation layer 150 interposed between thecathode 130 and the anode 140.

The cathode 130 may include a cathode current collector 110 and acathode active material layer 115 formed by coating a cathode activematerial on the cathode current collector 110.

In exemplary embodiments, the cathode active material may include afirst cathode active material particle and a second cathode activematerial particle, and may be formed by mixing the first cathode activematerial particle and the second cathode active material particle.

The first cathode active material particle may have a concentrationgradient. For example, the first cathode active material particle mayinclude a lithium metal oxide in which at least one of metal elementsforms the concentration gradient. The lithium metal oxide may includenickel and other transition metal, and nickel may be included as anexcessive amount among the metal elements except lithium. The term“excessive amount” as used herein refers to the largest content or molarratio among the metal elements except lithium.

In exemplary embodiments, the first cathode active material particle mayinclude a concentration gradient region between a central portion and asurface. For example, the concentration gradient region may be formed ina specific region between the central portion and the surface.

In exemplary embodiments, the first cathode active material particle mayinclude a core portion and a shell portion, and the concentrationgradient region may be included between the core portion and the shellportion. For example, the core portion may include the central portion,and the shell portion may include the surface.

A concentration gradient about some metal elements of the lithium metaloxide may be formed in the concentration gradient region. In the coreportion and the shell portion, the concentration can be uniform orfixed. For example, the lithium metal oxide of the core portion and theshell portion may have a substantially fixed composition.

In some embodiments, the concentration gradient region may be formed atthe central portion. In some embodiments, the concentration gradientregion may be formed at the surface.

In some embodiments, each concentration of lithium and oxygen may besubstantially fixed throughout an entire region of the particle, and atleast one element except for lithium and oxygen may have the continuousconcentration gradient.

The term “continuous concentration gradient” used herein may indicate aconcentration profile which may be changed with a uniform trend ortendency between the central portion and the surface portion. Theuniform trend may include an increasing trend or a decreasing trend.

In some embodiments, the first cathode active material particle mayinclude a lithium metal oxide having a continuous concentration gradientfrom a central portion of the particle to a surface of the particle. Forexample, the concentration gradient region may be formed over an entirediameter or radius from a center to a surface of the first cathodeactive material particle. In some embodiments, the first cathode activematerial particle may have a full concentration gradient (FCG) structurein which the concentration gradient may be substantially formedthroughout the entire particle.

The term “central portion” used herein may include a central point ofthe active material particle and may also include a region within apredetermined radius or diameter from the central point. For example,“central portion” may encompass a region within a radius of about 0.1 μmfrom the central point of the active material particle.

The term “surface portion” used herein may include an outermost surfaceof the active material particle, and may also include a predeterminedthickness from the outermost surface. For example, “surface portion” mayinclude a region within a thickness of about 0.1 μm from the outermostsurface of the active material particle.

In some embodiments, the continuous concentration particle may include alinear concentration profile or a curved concentration profile. In thecurved concentration profile, the concentration may change in a uniformtrend without any inflection point.

In an embodiment, at least one metal except for lithium included in thefirst cathode active material particle may have an increasing continuousconcentration gradient, and at least one metal except for lithiumincluded in the first cathode active material particle may have andecreasing continuous concentration gradient

In an embodiment, at least one metal included in the first cathodeactive material particle except for lithium may have a substantiallyconstant concentration from the central portion to the surface.

In an embodiment, metals included in the first cathode active materialparticle except for lithium may include a first metal M1 and a secondmetal M2. The first metal M1 may have a continuously decreasingconcentration gradient from the central portion to the surface. Thesecond metal M2 have a continuously increasing concentration gradientfrom the central portion to the surface.

In an embodiment, the metals included in the first cathode activematerial particle except for lithium may further include a third metalM3. The third metal M3 may have a substantially constant concentrationfrom the central portion to the surface.

The term “concentration” used herein may indicate, e.g., a molar ratioof the first to third metals.

For example, the first cathode active material particle may berepresented by the following Chemical Formula 1.

Li_(x)M1_(a)M2_(b)M3_(c)O_(y)  [Chemical Formula 1]

In the Chemical Formula 1 above, M1, M2 and M3 may be selected from Ni,Co, Mn, Na, Mg, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ge, Sr, Ag, Ba, Zr, Nb, Mo, Al,Ga and B, and 0<x≤1.1, 1.98≤y≤2.02, 0<a<1, 0<b<1, 0<c<1, and 0<a+b+c≤1.

In some embodiments, M1, M2 and M3 of Chemical Formula 1 may be nickel(Ni), manganese (Mn) and cobalt (Co), respectively.

For example, nickel may serve as a metal related to a capacity of thelithium secondary battery. As an amount of nickel becomes higher,capacity and power of the lithium secondary battery may be improved.However, an excessive amount of nickel may degrade of a life-spanproperty of the battery, and may be disadvantageous in an aspect ofmechanical and electrical stability of the battery. For example, whenthe amount of nickel is excessively increased, defects such as ignitionor short-circuit by a penetration of an external object may not besufficiently suppressed.

However, according to example embodiments, nickel may be included as thefirst metal M1. Thus, the amount of nickel at the central portion may berelatively high to improve the capacity and power of the lithiumsecondary battery, and a concentration of nickel may be decreased fromthe central portion to the surface to prevent the defects from thepenetration and a life-span reduction.

For example, manganese (Mn) may serve as a metal related to themechanical and electrical stability of the lithium secondary battery. Inexample embodiments, an amount of Mn may be increased from the centralportion to the surface so that the defects from the penetration such asignition or short-circuit through the surface may be suppressed orreduced, and the life-span of the lithium secondary battery may be alsoenhanced.

For example, cobalt (Co) may serve as a metal related to a conductivityor a resistance of the lithium secondary battery. In exampleembodiments, a concentration of cobalt may be fixed or uniformlymaintained through an entire region of the first cathode active materialparticle. Thus, a current or a charge flow through the first cathodeactive material particle may be uniformly maintained while improving theconductivity of the battery and maintaining low resistance.

In some embodiments, in Chemical Formula 1, the first metal M1 may benickel, and, e.g., 0.6≤a≤0.95 and 0.05≤b+c≤0.4. For example, aconcentration (or a molar ratio) of nickel may be continuously decreasedfrom about 0.95 to about 0.6.

If a lower limit of the nickel concentration (e.g., a surfaceconcentration) is less than about 0.6, capacity and power at the surfaceof the first cathode active material particle may be excessivelydeteriorated. If an upper limit of the nickel concentration (e.g., acentral concentration) exceeds about 0.95, life-span and mechanicalstability at the central portion may be excessively degraded.

Preferably, in Chemical Formula 1, 0.7≤a≤0.9 and 0.1≤b+c≤0.3. In thiscase, both capacity and stability of the battery may be enhanced.

In exemplary embodiments, the first cathode active material particle mayinclude a concentration gradient region in which at least one metalforms a concentration gradient between the central portion and thesurface. For example, the concentration gradient may include a specificregion between the central portion and the surface. The first cathodeactive material particle may have a fixed concentration profile in aregion except the concentration gradient region.

In some embodiments, the first metal (M1), the second metal (M2), andthe third metal (M3) may have the concentration profile described abovein the concentration gradient region. In some embodiments, theconcentration gradient region may be formed at the central portion. Insome embodiments, the concentration gradient region may be formed at thesurface.

In some embodiments, the first cathode active material particle mayfurther include a coating layer on the surface thereof. For example, thecoating layer may include Al, Ti, Ba, Zr, Si, B, Mg, P, an alloy thereofor an oxide thereof. These may be used alone or in a mixture thereof.The first cathode active material particle may be protected by thecoating layer so that penetration stability and life-span of the batterymay be further improved.

In some embodiments, the elements, the alloy or the oxide of the coatinglayer may be inserted in the first cathode active material particle as adopant.

In some embodiments, the first cathode active material particle may beformed from a primary particle having a rod-type shape. An averagediameter of the first cathode active material particle may be in a rangefrom about 3 μm to about 25 μm.

For example, characteristics of high capacity and/or high output can berealized by using the first cathode active material particle having alithium metal oxide in which nickel is excessively used. Additionally, aconcentration gradient can be included in the first cathode activematerial, to suppress deterioration of life-span and operationalstability caused by use of excessive nickel.

According to exemplary embodiments, as the second cathode activematerial particle having a multi-shaped structure may be blended withthe first cathode active material particle, penetration safety orresistance characteristic of the lithium secondary battery can beremarkably improved.

For example, if the cathode active material containing nickel in anexcessive amount may be used alone, when the secondary battery ispenetrated by an external object a large amount of heat energy isgenerated in a short time due to an overcurrent, so that ignition orexplosion may occur.

According to exemplary embodiments, the second cathode active materialhaving a multi-shaped structure may be blended with the first cathodeactive material. In this case, even if the secondary battery ispenetrated heat generation due to an overcurrent is suppressed, toprevent ignition or explosion.

For example, as the second cathode active material particle may includeprimary particles having different particle shapes, an interiorstructure of the cathode active material particle can be irregular. Theparticles having different shapes may act as a resistor between eachother, so that immoderate heat progression can be suppressed.

According to exemplary embodiments, the second cathode active materialparticle may have a multi-shaped structure. The term “multi-shaped” usedherein is distinguished from “single-shaped” and may refer to a cohesivestructure of particles of different shapes.

For example, the second cathode active material particle may have asecondary particle structure formed by agglomerating primary particles.The second cathode active material particle may include a plurality ofprimary particles having different shapes or crystalline structures fromeach other.

In some embodiments, the second cathode active material particle (e.g.,primary particles included in the second cathode active materialparticle) may include a first particle and a second particle havingdifferent shapes or crystalline structures from each other.

For example, the first particle and the second particle may have variousshapes such as granule, sphere, ellipse, rod, and needle, and may havedifferent shapes or crystalline structures to each other.

The first particle may be arranged in a central region of the secondcathode active material particle, and the second particle may bearranged in a peripheral region of the second cathode active materialparticle.

For example, the central region may encompass a region corresponding toa length of about 20% to about 80% from the center to a radius of thesecond cathode active material particle. The peripheral region mayencompass a remaining area outside the central region. In someembodiments, the central region may encompass a region corresponding toa length of about 40% to about 70% from the center to a radius of thesecond cathode active material particle.

In some embodiments, the first particle arranged in the central regionmay have a granular structure or a spherical structure, and the secondparticle arranged in the peripheral region may have a rod shapestructure or a needle shape structure. In this case, electricalconductivity and capacity characteristic can be achieved in theperipheral region through the second particle, and abrupt heatpropagation in the central region can be effectively prevented throughthe first particle.

According to exemplary embodiments, the second cathode active materialparticle may include a lithium metal oxide. In exemplary embodiments,the second cathode active material particle may include anickel-containing lithium metal oxide. A concentration of nickel in thesecond cathode active material particle may be smaller than aconcentration of nickel in the first cathode active material particle.In some embodiments, the concentration of nickel in the second cathodeactive material particle may be fixed as smaller than a concentration ofnickel in the surface of the first cathode active material particle.

In some embodiments, the second cathode active material particle mayinclude at least two metal elements except lithium. For example, theconcentration of the metals except lithium can be kept constantly fromthe central portion to the surface.

In some embodiments, the second cathode active material particle mayinclude a first metal M1′, a second metal M2′, and a third metal M3′.For example, the first metal M1′, the second metal M2′ and the thirdmetal M3′ may be nickel, cobalt and manganese, respectively.

In some embodiments, a concentration or a molar ratio of nickel, cobaltand manganese can be maintained uniform over an entire region of thesecond cathode active material particle.

In exemplary embodiments, the second cathode active material particlemay be represented by the following Chemical Formula 2.

Li_(x)Ni_(a)Co_(b)Mn_(c)M4_(d)M5_(e)O_(y)  [Chemical Formula 2]

In Chemical Formula 2, M4 may include at least one element selected froma group consisting of Ti, Zr, Al, Mg, and Cr; and M5 may include atleast one element selected from a group consisting of Sr, Y, W, and Mo;and 0<x<1.5, 1.98≤y≤2.02, 0.313≤a≤0.353, 0.313≤b≤0.353, 0.313≤c≤0.353,0≤d≤0.03, 0≤e≤0.03, and 0.98 ≤a+b+c≤1.02.

By controlling content or molar ratio of nickel, cobalt and/or manganeseof the second cathode active material substantially same, thermal andmechanical properties such as life stability and penetration safety canbe improved through the second cathode active material.

According to some exemplary embodiments, when measuring the secondcathode active material particle represented by Chemical Formula 2 withDifferential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), an exothermic peak of 40 J/g orless may be exhibited at a temperature of 200° C. or higher. Accordingto some embodiments, the second cathode active material particle mayexhibit an exothermic peak of 15 J/g or less at a temperature of 320° C.or higher in DSC method.

In some embodiments, the second cathode active material particles mayinclude nickel as the excessive amount in consideration of capacity andstability of the lithium secondary battery, and a concentration may becontrolled in the order of nickel, manganese, and cobalt. According toexemplary embodiments, the concentration ratio ofnickel:cobalt:manganese in the second cathode active material particlemay be substantially about 5:2:3.

In exemplary embodiments, the second cathode active material particlemay be represented by the following Chemical Formula 3 as a lithiumnickel-cobalt-manganese oxide.

Li_(x)Ni_(α)Co_(β)Mn_(γ)M4_(δ)M5_(ε)O_(y)  [Chemical Formula 3]

In Chemical Formula 3, M4 may include at least one element selected froma group consisting of Ti, Zr, Al, Mg, and Cr; and M5 may include atleast one element selected from a group consisting of Sr, Y, W, and Mo;and 0<x<1.1, 1.98≤y≤2.02, 0.48≤α≤0.52 0.18≤β≤0.27, 0.24≤γ≤0.32,0≤δ≤0.03, 0≤ε≤0.03, and 0.98≤α+β+γ≤1.02.

In some embodiments, 0.49≤α≤0.51 0.18≤ρ<0.22, and 0.28≤γ≤0.32 in theChemical Formula 3.

For example, the second cathode active material particle may have anickel concentration or a nickel molar ratio less than that of the firstcathode active material particle through an entire region of theparticle, and Mn may be distributed uniformly throughout the secondcathode active material particle. By controlling content or molar ratioof nickel, cobalt and/or manganese of the second cathode active materialto 5:2:3, respectively, thermal and mechanical properties such as lifestability and penetration safety can be improved through the secondcathode active material.

According to some exemplary embodiments, when measuring the secondcathode active material particle represented by Chemical Formula 3 withDifferential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), an exothermic peak of 25 J/g orless may be exhibited at a temperature of 200° C. or higher. Accordingto some embodiments, the second cathode active material particle mayexhibit an exothermic peak of 25 J/g or less at a temperature of 320° C.or higher in DSC method.

In some embodiments, the second cathode active material particle mayfurther include a coating layer on the surface thereof. For example, thecoating layer may include Al, Ti, Ba, Zr, Si, B, Mg, P, an alloythereof, an oxide thereof, an phosphate thereof or an fluoride thereof.The first cathode active material particle may be protected by thecoating layer so that penetration stability and life-span of the batterymay be further improved. By further including the coating layer,characteristics of capacity and power output of the cathode activematerial can be improved.

In some embodiments, the elements, the alloy or the oxide of the coatinglayer may be inserted in the second cathode active material particle asa dopant.

In some embodiments, the cathode active material may be prepared byfabricating each of the first cathode active material particle and thesecond cathode active material particle, and then blending the firstcathode active material particle and the second cathode active materialparticle.

In example embodiments, a mixing ratio of the first cathode activematerial particle and the second cathode active material particle maybe, e.g., in a range from 9:1 to 1:9, preferably, from 6:4 to 1:9.Within the above range, a thermal stability improvement and a preventionof a penetration-induced ignition by the second cathode active materialparticle may be more effectively achieved, and a high densitycharacteristic of the secondary battery can be achieved.

Preferably, if using the second cathode active material particlesrepresented by Formula 2, the mixing weight ratio may be 6:4 to 9:1. Inthe case of using the second cathode active material particlesrepresented by Formula 3, the mixing weight ratio may be from 6:4 to3:7.

In a formation of the first cathode active material particle, metalprecursor solutions having different concentrations may be prepared. Themetal precursor solutions may include precursors of metals that may beincluded in the cathode active material. For example, the metalprecursors may include halides, hydroxides, acid salts, etc., of themetals.

For example, the metal precursors may include a lithium precursor (e.g.,a lithium oxide), a nickel precursor, a manganese precursor and a cobaltprecursor.

In some embodiments, a first precursor solution having a targetcomposition at the central portion (e.g., concentrations of nickel,manganese and cobalt at the central portion) and a second precursorsolution having a target composition at the surface or the surfaceportion (e.g., concentrations of nickel, manganese and cobalt at thesurface) may be each prepared.

Subsequently, the first and second precursor solution may be mixed and aprecipitate may be formed by a co-precipitation method. In someembodiments, a mixing ratio may be continuously changed so that acontinuous concentration gradient may be formed from the targetcomposition at the central portion to the target composition at thesurface. Accordingly, the precipitate may include a concentrationgradient of the metals therein.

In some embodiments, a chelate agent and a basic agent (e.g., analkaline agent) may be added while forming the precipitate. In someembodiments, the precipitate may be thermally treated, and then alithium salt may be mixed and thermally treated again.

The second cathode active material particle may be formed byprecipitating a single metal precursor solution having a targetcomposition while stirring. During the precipitation, a multi-shapedstructure having particles of a plurality of shapes or crystallinestructures can be produced by changing a flow rate, composition,concentration, temperature, stirring speed, etc. of the precursorsolution.

In exemplary embodiments, the cathode active material may be mixed andstirred together with a binder, a conductive additive and/or adispersive additive in a solvent to form a slurry. The slurry may becoated on the cathode current collector 110, and pressed and dried toobtain the cathode 130.

The cathode current collector 110 may include a metal which has a highconductivity and can be easily adhered an active material slurry and hasno reactivity in a voltage range of the battery. The cathode currentcollector 110 may include stainless-steel, nickel, aluminum, titanium,copper or an alloy thereof. Preferably, aluminum or an alloy thereof maybe used.

The binder may include an organic based binder such as a polyvinylidenefluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (PVDF-co-HFP),polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), polyacrylonitrile,polymethylmethacrylate, etc., or an aqueous based binder such asstyrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) that may be used with a thickener such ascarboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).

For example, a PVDF-based binder may be used as a cathode binder. Inthis case, an amount of the binder for forming the cathode activematerial layer 115, and an amount of the first and second cathode activematerial particles may be relatively increased. Thus, capacity and poweroutput of the lithium secondary battery may be further improved.

The conductive additive may be added to facilitate an electron mobilitybetween the active material particles. For example, the conductiveadditive may include a carbon-based material such as graphite, carbonblack, graphene, carbon nanotube, etc., and/or a metal-based materialsuch as tin, tin oxide, titanium oxide, a perovskite material such asLaSrCoO₃ or LaSrMnO₃.

In exemplary embodiments, the anode 140 may include an anode currentcollector 120 and an anode active material layer 125 formed by coatingan anode active material on the anode current collector 120.

The anode active material may include a material that may be capable ofadsorbing and ejecting lithium ions. For example, a carbon-basedmaterial such as a crystalline carbon, an amorphous carbon, a carboncomplex or a carbon fiber, a lithium alloy, silicon, tin, etc., may beused. The amorphous carbon may include a hard carbon, cokes, amesocarbon microbead (MCMB) calcinated at a temperature of 1,500° C. orless, a mesophase pitch-based carbon fiber (MPCF), ETC. The crystallinecarbon may include a graphite-based material, such as natural graphite,graphitized cokes, graphitized MCMB, graphitized MPCF, etc. The lithiumalloy may further include aluminum, zinc, bismuth, cadmium, antimony,silicon, lead, tin, gallium, or indium.

The anode current collector 110 may include a metal which has a highconductivity and can be easily adhered an active material slurry and hasno reactivity in a voltage range of the battery. The anode currentcollector 120 may include gold, stainless-steel, nickel, aluminum,titanium, copper or an alloy thereof, preferably, may include copper ora copper alloy.

In some embodiments, the anode active material may be mixed and stirredtogether with a binder, a conductive additive and/or a dispersiveadditive in a solvent to form a slurry. The slurry may be coated on theanode current collector 120, and pressed and dried to obtain the anode140.

The binder and the conductive additive substantially the same as orsimilar to those as mentioned above may be used. In some embodiments,the binder for the anode 140 may include an aqueous binder such as suchas styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) that may be used with a thickener suchas carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) so that compatibility with thecarbon-based active material may be improved.

The separation layer 150 may be interposed between the cathode 130 andthe anode 140. The separation layer 150 may include a porous polymerfilm prepared from, e.g., a polyolefin-based polymer such as an ethylenehomopolymer, a propylene homopolymer, an ethylene/butene copolymer, anethylene/hexene copolymer, an ethylene/methacrylate copolymer, or thelike. The separation layer 150 may be also formed from a non-wovenfabric including a glass fiber with a high melting point, a polyethyleneterephthalate fiber, or the like.

In some embodiments, an area and/or a volume of the anode 140 (e.g., acontact area with the separation layer 150) may be greater than that ofthe cathode 130. Thus, lithium ions generated from the cathode 130 maybe easily transferred to the anode 140 without loss by, e.g.,precipitation or sedimentation. Therefore, the enhancement of power andstability by the combination of the first and second cathode activematerial particles may be effectively implemented.

In example embodiments, an electrode cell 160 may be defined by thecathode 130, the anode 140 and the separator 150, and a plurality of theelectrode cells 160 may be stacked to form an electrode assembly having,e.g., a jelly roll shape. For example, the electrode assembly may beformed by winding, laminating or folding of the separation layer 150.

The electrode assembly may be accommodated in an outer case 170 togetherwith an electrolyte to form the lithium secondary battery. In exampleembodiments, the electrolyte may include a non-aqueous electrolytesolution.

The non-aqueous electrolyte solution may include a lithium salt and anorganic solvent. The lithium salt may be represented by Li⁺X⁻, and ananion of the lithium salt X⁻ may include, e.g., F⁻, C⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, NO₃ ⁻,N(CN)₂ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻, ClO₄ ⁻, PF₆ ⁻, (CF₃)₂PF₄ ⁻, (CF₃)₃PF₃ ⁻, (CF₃)₄PF₂ ⁻,(CF₃)₅PF⁻, (CF₃)₆P⁻, CF₃SO₃ ⁻, CF₃CF₂SO₃ ⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₂N⁻, (FSO₂)₂N⁻,CF₃CF₂(CF₃)₂CO⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₂CH⁻, (SFs)₃C⁻, (CF₃SO₂)₃C⁻, CF₃(CF₂)₇SO₃ ⁻,CF₃CO₂ ⁻, CH₃CO₂ ⁻, SCN⁻, (CF₃CF₂SO₂)₂N⁻, etc.

The organic solvent may include propylene carbonate (PC), ethylenecarbonate (EC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC),ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC), methylpropyl carbonate, dipropyl carbonate,dimethyl sulfoxide, acetonitrile, dimethoxy ethane, diethoxy ethane,vinylene carbonate, sulfolane, gamma-butyrolactone, propylene sulfite,tetrahydrofuran, etc. These may be used alone or in a combinationthereof.

An electrode tab may be formed from each of the cathode currentcollector 110 and the anode current collector 120 to extend to one endof the outer case 170. The electrode tabs may be welded together withthe one end of the outer case 170 to form an electrode lead exposed atan outside of the outer case 170.

The lithium secondary battery may be fabricated into a cylindrical shapeusing a can, a prismatic shape, a pouch shape, a coin shape, etc.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments are proposed to more concretelydescribe the present invention. However, the following examples are onlygiven for illustrating the present invention and those skilled in therelated art will obviously understand that various alterations andmodifications are possible within the scope and spirit of the presentinvention. Such alterations and modifications are duly included in theappended claims.

Examples: Fabrication of Secondary Battery

(1) Cathode

‘Cathode 1’ was formed by forming a precipitate while continuouslychanging a mixing ratio of precursors.

The total composition of Cathode 1 was LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.11)Mn_(0.09)O₂.The compositions of a core portion and a shell portion of Cathode 1 wereLiNi_(0.84)Co_(0.11)Mn_(0.05)O₂ and LiNi_(0.78)Co_(0.10)Mn_(0.12)O₂,respectively.

The concentration gradient region was formed between the core portionand the shell portion. In the concentration gradient region, a Niconcentration decreased and a Mn concentration increased.

A precursor solution including a metal oxide precursor containing Ni,Co, and Mn in a molar ratio of about 1:1:1 and a chelating agentcontaining ammonia and NaOH was coprecipitated under the first conditionof Table 1 below.

Sequentially, the precursor solution was further coprecipitated underthe second condition to form ‘The multi-shaped NCM111’.

The multi-shaped NCM111 had a composition of aboutLiNi_(1/3)Co_(1/3)Mn_(1/3)O₂. The multi-shaped NCM111 contained granularprimary particles in the central region of a radius of about 60% fromthe center of the particle, and rod-shaped primary particles in theperipheral region.

A precursor solution including a metal oxide precursor containing Ni,Co, and Mn in a molar ratio of about 5:2:3 and a chelating agentcontaining ammonia and NaOH was coprecipitated under the third conditionof Table 1 below.

Sequentially, the precursor solution was further coprecipitated underthe forth condition to form ‘The multi-shaped NCM523’.

The multi-shaped NCM523 had a composition of aboutLiNi_(0.5)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.3)O₂. The multi-shaped NCM523 contained granularprimary particles in the central region of a radius of about 45% fromthe center of the particle, and rod-shaped primary particles in theperipheral region.

TABLE 1 Flow rate of Flow rate of Feed metal oxide chelating Stirringrate precursor agent speed Temperature Reaction (Hz) (L/min) (L/min)(rpm) (° C.) time (h) First 10 8 4 200 50 50 condition Second 5 4 2 30050 30 condition Third 12 8 4 300 50 50 condition Forth 6 4 2 350 50 20condition

Denka Black was used as a conductive additive, and PVDF was used as abinder. The cathode active material in which the cathode active materialparticles were mixed in a weight ratio shown in Table 2 below, theconductive additive and the binder were mixed by a weight ratio of92:5:3 to form a cathode slurry. The cathode slurry was coated, dried,and pressed on an aluminum substrate to form a cathode. A density of thecathode after the pressing was 3.5 g/cc or more.

(2) Anode

An anode slurry was prepared by mixing 93 wt % of a natural graphite asan anode active material, 5 wt % of a flake type conductive additiveKS6, 1 wt % of SBR as a binder, and 1 wt % of CMC as a thickener. Theanode slurry was coated, dried, and pressed on a copper substrate toform an anode.

(3) Lithium Secondary Battery

The cathode and the anode obtained as described above were notched witha proper size and stacked, and a separator (polyethylene, thickness: 25μm) was interposed between the cathode and the anode to form anelectrode cell. Each tab portion of the cathode and the anode waswelded. The welded cathode/separator/anode assembly was inserted in apouch, and three sides of the pouch (e.g., except for an electrolyteinjection side) were sealed. The tab portions were also included insealed portions. An electrolyte was injected through the electrolyteinjection side, and then the electrolyte injection side was also sealed.Subsequently, the above structure was impregnated for more than 12hours.

The electrolyte was prepared by dissolving 1M LiPF6 in a mixed solventof EC/EMC/DEC (25/45/30; volume ratio), and then 1 wt % of vinylenecarbonate, 0.5 wt % of 1,3-propensultone (PRS), and 0.5 wt % of lithiumbis (oxalato) borate (LiBOB) were added.

The lithium secondary battery as fabricated above was pre-charged byapplying a pre-charging current (5 A) corresponding to 0.25 C for 36minutes. After 1 hour, the battery was degased, aged for more than 24hours, and then a formation charging-discharging (charging condition ofCC-CV 0.2 C 4.2 V 0.05 C CUT-OFF, discharging condition CC 0.2 C 2.5 VCUT-OFF) was performed. Then, a standard charging-discharging (chargingcondition of CC-CV 0.5 C 4.2 V 0.05 C CUT-OFF, discharging condition CC0.5 C 2.5 V CUT-OFF) was performed.

Comparative Examples

Instead of the multi-shaped NCM111 and the multi-shaped NCM523, asingle-shaped NCM111 and a single-shaped NCM 523, a secondary batterywas manufactured in the same manner as in the above example.

The single-shaped NCM111 had a composition ofLiNi_(1/3)Co_(1/3)Mn_(1/3)O₂ and the same particle shapes in the centralregion and the peripheral region.

The single-shaped NCM523 had a composition ofLiNi_(0.5)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.3)O₂ and the same particle shapes in the centralregion and the peripheral region.

TABLE 2 First cathode Second cathode Blending active material activematerial weight particle particle ratio Example 1 Cathode 1 Multi-shapedNCM111 80:20 Example 2 Cathode 1 Multi-shaped NCM111 70:30 Example 3Cathode 1 Multi-shaped NCM111 60:40 Example 4 Cathode 1 Multi-shapedNCM111 50:50 Example 5 Cathode 1 Multi-shaped NCM111 40:60 Example 6Cathode 1 Multi-shaped NCM111 30:70 Example 7 Cathode 1 Multi-shapedNCM111 20:80 Example 8 Cathode 1 Multi-shaped NCM111 10:90 Example 9Cathode 1 Multi-shaped NCM523 90:10 Example 10 Cathode 1 Multi-shapedNCM523 80:20 Example 11 Cathode 1 Multi-shaped NCM523 70:30 Example 12Cathode 1 Multi-shaped NCM523 60:40 Example 13 Cathode 1 Multi-shapedNCM523 50:50 Comparative Cathode 1 Single-shaped NCM111 90:10 example 1Comparative Cathode 1 Single-shaped NCM111 80:20 example 2 ComparativeCathode 1 Single-shaped NCM111 70:30 example 3 Comparative Cathode 1Single-shaped NCM111 60:40 example 4 Comparative Cathode 1 Single-shapedNCM111 50:50 example 5 Comparative Cathode 1 Single-shaped NCM111 40:60example 6 Comparative Cathode 1 Single-shaped NCM523 90:10 example 7Comparative Cathode 1 Single-shaped NCM523 80:20 example 8 ComparativeCathode 1 Single-shaped NCM523 70:30 example 9 Comparative Cathode 1Single-shaped NCM523 60:40 example 10 Comparative Cathode 1Single-shaped NCM523 50:50 example 11

Experimental Example 1: Using the Multi-Shaped NCM111

(1) Evaluation on Life-Span Property at Room Temperature

The battery cells of Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Examples wererepeatedly charged (CC-CV 1.0 C 4.2 V 0.05 C CUT-OFF) and discharged (CC1.0 C 2.75 V CUT-OFF) 500 times, and then a discharging capacity at a500th cycle was calculated as a percentage (%) with respect to a firstcycle discharging capacity to measure the life-span property at a roomtemperature. The result is shown in Table 3 below.

(2) Evaluation on Penetration Stability

The battery cells of Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Examples werecharged (1 C 4.2V 0.1 C CUT-OFF), and then the battery cells werepenetrated by a nail having a diameter of 3 mm at a speed of 80 mm/secand evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shownin Table 3 below.

<EUCAR Hazard Level>

L1: No problem with battery performance

L2: Irreversible damage to battery performance

L3: The electrolyte of the battery is reduced by less than 50%.

L4: The electrolyte of the battery is reduced by 50% or more.

L5: Ignited or exploded

TABLE 3 Life-span (%) Penetration (@500 cycle) Stability Example 1 93.2%L3 Example 2 94.1% L3 Example 3 96.2% L3 Example 4 96.9% L3 Example 598.0% L3 Example 6 98.5% L3 Example 7 99.3% L3 Example 8 99.9% L3Comparative 85.1% L5 example 1 Comparative 86.4% L5 example 2Comparative 87.6% L5 example 3 Comparative 89.3% L4 example 4Comparative 91.5% L4 example 5 Comparative 92.9% L4 example 6

As shown in Table 3, life-span and penetration stability were improvedin Examples using the multi-shaped secondary cathode active materialparticles, as compared with Comparative Examples using the single-shapedsecondary cathode active material particles.

Experimental Example 2: Change of the Central Region of the Multi-ShapedNCM111

The secondary batteries of Examples 13 to 19 were fabricated in the samemanner as Example 3 except that the radius of the central region of themulti-shaped NCM111 was changed to the radius of the following Table 4from the center of the particle.

The life and penetration characteristics of the secondary batteries ofExamples 13 to 19 were evaluated by the above-described methods and areshown in Table 4 below.

TABLE 4 Radius of central region of multi- Life-span Penetration shapedNCM111 (%) Stability Example 3 60% 96.2 L3 Example 14 10% 96.0 L4Example 15 20% 95.5 L3 Example 16 40% 98.1 L3 Example 17 70% 97.5 L3Example 18 80% 95.2 L3 Example 19 90% 94.5 L4

As shown in Table 4, the penetration stability and the life-span wereimproved when the radius of the central region of the multi-shapedNCM111 was in range of 20% to 80%. The penetration stability and thelife-span was further improved when the radius was in range of 40% to80%.

Experimental Example 3: Using the Multi-Shaped NCM523

The secondary batteries of Examples 9 to 13 and Comparative Exampleswere charged once (CC-CV 1.0 C 4.2 V 0.05 C CUT-OFF) and discharged (CC1.0 C 2.7 V CUT-OFF The capacity was measured and converted into energydensity. After setting the cell capacity to 50 of SOC (State of Charge),the output characteristics were measured by HPPC (hybrid pulse powercharacterization) method.

The penetration stability was evaluated in the same manner as inExperimental Example 1. The results are shown in Table 5 below.

TABLE 5 First Second cathode cathode active active Mixing Energy Powermaterial material ratio (in density output Penetration particle particleweight) (Wh/L) (Wh/kg) Stability Example 9 Cathode 1 Multi-shaped 90:10567 2391 L4 NCM523 Example 10 Cathode 1 Multi-shaped 80:20 561 2474 L3NCM523 Example 11 Cathode 1 Multi-shaped 70:30 553 2536 L3 NCM523Example 12 Cathode 1 Multi-shaped 60:40 546 2585 L3 NCM523 Example 13Cathode 1 Multi-shaped 50:50 540 2716 L3 NCM523 Comparative Cathode 1Single- 90:10 564 2169 L4 example 1 shaped NCM111 Comparative Cathode 1Single- 80:20 553 2238 L3 example 2 shaped NCM111 Comparative Cathode 1Single- 70:30 543 2294 L3 example 3 shaped NCM111 Comparative Cathode 1Single- 60:40 532 2339 L3 example 4 shaped NCM111 Comparative Cathode 1Single- 50:50 522 2457 L3 example 5 shaped NCM111 Comparative Cathode 1Single- 90:10 567 2277 L5 example 7 shaped NCM523 Comparative Cathode 1Single- 80:20 561 2356 L5 example 8 shaped NCM523 Comparative Cathode 1Single- 70:30 553 2415 L5 example 9 shaped NCM523 Comparative Cathode 1Single- 60:40 546 2462 L5 example 10 shaped NCM523 Comparative Cathode 1Single- 50:50 540 2587 L4 example 11 shaped NCM523

As shown in Table 5, energy density, power output and penetrationcharacteristic were in Examples using the multi-shaped NCM523.

Experimental Example 4: Change of the Central Region of the Multi-ShapedNCM523

The secondary batteries of Examples 20 to 26 were fabricated in the samemanner as Example 12 except that the radius of the central region of themulti-shaped NCM523 was changed to the radius of the following Table 6from the center of the particle.

The life and penetration characteristics of the secondary batteries ofExamples 20 to 26 were evaluated by the above-described methods and areshown in Table 6 below.

TABLE 6 Weight ratio Radius of of Cathode 1 central region and multi- ofmulti - shaped shaped Power output Penetration NCM523 NCM523 (Wh/kg)Stability Example 20 6:4 45% 2585 L3 Example 21 6:4 10% 2554 L4 Example22 6:4 20% 2489 L3 Example 23 6:4 40% 2701 L3 Example 24 6:4 70% 2635 L3Example 25 6:4 80% 2432 L3 Example 26 6:4 90% 2405 L4

As shown in Table 6, power output and penetration stability wereimproved when the radius of the central region of the multi-shapedNCM523 was in range of 20% to 80%. The penetration stability and thelife-span were further improved when the radius was in range of 40% to70%.

Experimental Example 5: Evaluation of Penetration Safety According toSOC (1) Examples 27 to 30

The state of charge of the secondary battery of Example 10 graduallyreduced by 10% to prepare secondary batteries of Examples 27 to 30.

The results of evaluating the penetration stability of the secondarybatteries of Examples 27 to 30 are shown in Table 7 below.

(2) Comparative Examples 11 to 15

The state of charge of the secondary battery of Comparative Example 8gradually reduced by 10% to prepare secondary batteries of ComparativeExamples 12 to 15.

The results of evaluating the penetration stability of the secondarybatteries of Comparative Examples 12 to 15 are shown in Table 7 below.

TABLE 7 Weight ratio of Cathode 1 and Penetration multi-shaped NCM523SoC Stability Examples 10 80%:20% SoC 100% L3 Examples 27 80%:20% SoC90% L3 Examples 28 80%:20% SoC 80% L3 Examples 29 80%:20% SoC 70% L3Examples 30 80%:20% SoC 60% L3 Comparative 80%:20% SoC 100% L5 Example 8Comparative 80%:20% SoC 90% L5 Example 12 Comparative 80%:20% SoC 80% L5Example 13 Comparative 80%:20% SoC 70% L4 Example 14 Comparative 80%:20%SoC 60% L4 Example 15

As shown in Table 7, the penetration stability at high SOC wasremarkably improved in Examples using the multi-shaped NCM523 ascompared with Comparative Examples.

Experimental Example 6: Observation of the Surface and the Section ofthe Particle

FIG. 2 to FIG. 6 were obtained by observing sections of the multi-shapedNCM111, the multi-shaped NCM523, the single-shaped NCM111 and thesingle-shaped NCM523 used in Examples and Comparative Examples withscanning electron microscopy (SEM).

As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-shaped NCM111 used in some embodiments hasparticles with different shapes between the central region and theperipheral region. For example, the central region occupied about 60% ofthe particle radius, and the particle shape in the central region wasobserved as granular. The peripheral region occupied space excluding thecentral region, and the particle shape in the peripheral region wasobserved as needle shape (acicular).

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the conventional NCM111 of thesingle-shaped structure has the substantially same particle shapebetween the central region and the peripheral region.

As shown in FIG. 5, the multi-shaped NCM523 used in some embodiments hasparticles with different shapes between the central region and theperipheral region. For example, the central region occupied about 45% ofthe particle radius, and the particle shape in the central region wasobserved as granular. The peripheral region occupied space excluding thecentral region, and the particle shape in the peripheral region wasobserved as rod shape.

As shown in FIG. 6, the conventional NCM523 of the single-shapedstructure has the substantially same particle shape between the centralregion and the peripheral region.

Experimental Example 7: Differential Scanning Calorimetry Measurement

Thermal properties of the multi-shaped NCM111 (‘C1’), the single-shapedNCM111 (‘C2’), the multi-shaped NCM523 (‘C3’), and the single-shapedNCM523 (‘C4’) used in Examples and Comparative Examples were measuredwith differential scanning calorimetry. The results are shown in FIG. 7and FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 7, the thermal properties of the multi-shaped NCM111(C1) used in some exemplary embodiments were improved as compared withthe single-shaped NCM111 (C2).

Specifically, a narrow peak of 61 J/g of C2 was observed aroundtemperature of 320° C., whereas a broad peak of about 13 J/g of C1 wasobserved around temperature of about 335° C. Thus, safety andreliability at high temperature of the secondary battery can be achievedby using the multi-shaped NCM111.

As shown in FIG. 8, the thermal properties of the multi-shaped NCM523(C3) used in some exemplary embodiments were improved as compared withthe single-shaped NCM111 (C2) and the single-shaped NCM523 (C4).

Specifically, a peak of 61 J/g of C2 was observed around temperature of323° C., a peak of 30 J/g of C4 was observed around temperature of 329°C., whereas a broad peak of about 23 J/g of C3 was observed aroundtemperature of about 334° C. Thus, safety and reliability at hightemperature of the secondary battery can be achieved by using themulti-shaped NCM523.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cathode active material for a lithium secondarybattery, comprising: a first cathode active material particlerepresented by the following Chemical Formula 1;Li_(x)M1_(a)M2_(b)M3_(c)O_(y)  [Chemical Formula 1] wherein in ChemicalFormula 1, M1, M2 and M3 independently include at least one elementselected from a group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Na, Mg, Ca, Ti, V, Cr,Cu, Zn, Ge, Sr, Ag, Ba, Zr, Nb, Mo, Al, Ga and B, 0<x≤1.1, 1.98≤y≤2.02,0.6≤a≤0.95 and 0.05≤b+c≤0.4, and a second cathode active materialparticle represented by the following Chemical Formula 2 or Formula 3;Li_(x)Ni_(a)Co_(b)Mn_(c)M4_(d)M5_(e)O_(y)  [Chemical Formula 2] whereinin Chemical Formula 2, M4 includes at least one element selected from agroup consisting of Ti, Zr, Al, Mg, and Cr; and M5 includes at least oneelement selected from a group consisting of Sr, Y, W, and Mo; and0<x<1.5, 1.98≤y≤2.02, 0.313≤a≤0.353, 0.313≤b≤0.353, 0.313≤c≤0.353,0≤d≤0.03, 0≤e≤0.03, and 0.98≤a+b+c≤1.02,Li_(x)Ni_(α)Co_(β)Mn_(γ)M4_(δ)M5εOy  [Chemical Formula 3] wherein inChemical Formula 3, M4 includes at least one element selected from agroup consisting of Ti, Zr, Al, Mg, and Cr; and M5 includes at least oneelement selected from a group consisting of Sr, Y, W, and Mo; and0<x<1.1, 1.98≤y≤2.02, 0.48≤α≤0.52 0.18<β≤0.27, 0.24≤γ≤0.32, 0≤δ≤0.03,0≤ε≤0.03, and 0.98≤α+β+γ≤1.02, wherein the second cathode activematerial particle includes primary particles being aggregated with eachother, the primary particles having different shapes or crystallinestructures from each other.
 2. The cathode active material for a lithiumsecondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the second cathodeactive material particle includes a first particle arranged in a centralregion and a second particle arranged in a peripheral region, and thefirst particle and the second particle have different shapes orcrystalline structures from each other.
 3. The cathode active materialfor a lithium secondary battery according to claim 2, wherein the firstparticle has a granular shape or a spherical shape, and the secondparticle has a rod shape or the needle shape.
 4. The cathode activematerial for a lithium secondary battery according to claim 2, whereinthe central region of the second cathode active material particleincludes an area within a region corresponding to 20% to 80% of a radiusfrom a center of the second cathode active material particle.
 5. Thecathode active material for a lithium secondary battery according toclaim 1, wherein the first cathode active material particle includes acore portion, a shell portion, and a concentration gradient regionbetween the core portion and the shell portion, wherein theconcentration gradient is formed in the concentration gradient region.6. The cathode active material for a lithium secondary battery accordingto claim 5, wherein the core portion and the shell portion each includesa fixed composition.
 7. The cathode active material for a lithiumsecondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the first cathode activematerial particle includes a continuous concentration gradient regionformed from a center of the first cathode active material particle to asurface of the first cathode active material particle.
 8. The cathodeactive material for a lithium secondary battery according to claim 1,wherein 0.7≤a≤0.9 and 0.1≤b+c≤0.3 in the Chemical Formula
 1. 9. Thecathode active material for a lithium secondary battery according toclaim 1, wherein M1 is nickel (Ni), M2 is manganese (Mn), and M3 iscobalt (Co).
 10. The cathode active material for a lithium secondarybattery according to claim 1, wherein 0.49≤α≤0.51 0.18≤β≤0.22, and0.28≤γ≤0.32 in the Chemical Formula
 3. 11. The cathode active materialfor a lithium secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein a blendingweight ratio of the first cathode active material particle and thesecond cathode active material particle is in a range from 9:1 to 1:9.12. The cathode active material for a lithium secondary batteryaccording to claim 1, wherein an exothermic peak of the second cathodeactive material particle is 40 J/g or less at 200° C. or more in aDifferential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurement.
 13. The cathodeactive material for a lithium secondary battery according to claim 1,wherein the first cathode active material particle or the second cathodeactive material particle further includes a coating on a surfacethereof, and the coating includes at least one selected from a groupconsisting of Al, Ti, Ba, Zr, Si, B, Mg, P, an alloy thereof and anoxide thereof.
 14. The cathode active material for a lithium secondarybattery according to claim 1, wherein the first cathode active materialparticle or the second cathode active material particle further includesa dopant including at least one selected from a group consisting of Al,Ti, Ba, Zr, Si, B, Mg, P, an alloy thereof and an oxide thereof.